Camera including sequential exposure apparatus for a film plate

ABSTRACT

A camera including a fixed lens and aperture and means for sequentially moving a film plate past the lens sight line to present predetermined areas of the film plate for exposure each time the lens shutter is actuated. A secondary, simultaneous exposure system photographs and transmits identifying data, such as a number, to the predetermined film plate area. A rack and pinion assembly moves the film plate to selected positions for exposure of an area of the film plate and includes a numbered and lettered reference guide system. A pencil light beam apparatus allows proper alignment of the camera lens with the subject. Micrometer adjustment means are provided for the rack and pinion assembly. A master control switch is located in the secondary exposure system which prevents activation of the entire camera unless the identifying data is properly positioned.

United States Patent Mann 7 [541 CAMERA INCLUDING SEQUENTIAL EXPOSUREAPPARATUS FOR A FILM V PLATE v g [72] Inventor: Arthur S. Mann, 1790 S.W. 23rd Avenue,

, Miami, Fla. 33145 [22] Filed: Dec. 12, 1969 2: Appl. No.: 884,682

[52] U.S.Cl ..95/37,95/1.1,355/53 [51] lnt.Cl. ..G03b 17/32 [58) FieldSearch... "95/37, 1.1, 31 X, 36,82;

[561' 4 References Cited UNITED STATES, PATENTS 1,307,325 6/1919Tay1or.......-.'. ..355/86 1,465,283 8/1923 3,495,519 2/1970 766,9678/1904 2,172,283 9/1939 [4 1 June 6, 1972 OTHER PUBLICATIONS X-YAlignment tables with stationary drives," Bresg & Koste, IBM TechnicalDisclosure Bulletin, Vol. 10, No. 6, page 800.

Primary Examiner-Samuel 8. Matthews Assistant Examiner--Russell E.Adams, .1 r. Attorney-Keith Misegades and George R. Douglas, Jr.

[ ABSTRACT A camera including a fixed lens and aperture and means forsequentially moving a film plate past the lens sight line to presentpredetermined areas of the film plate for exposure each time the lensshutter is actuated. A secondary, simultaneous exposure systemphotographs and transmits identifying data, such as a number, tothepredetermined film plate area.

A rack and pinion assembly. moves the film plate to selected positionsfor exposure of an area of the film plate and includes a numbered andletteredreference guide system. A pencil light beam apparatusallowsproper alignment of the camera lens with the subject.Micrometeradjustment means are provided forthe rack and pinion assembly.A master control switch is located in the secondary exposure systemwhich prevents activation of the entire camera unless the identifyingdata is properly positioned. 1

13 Claim, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJUH 6 I972 sum 3 OF 6 FIG.

INVENTOR ARTHUR S. MANN BY 227W 6/11 4 W ATTORNE S PATENTEUJUH s 1972SHEET 4 BF 6 ATTOR KEYS 0 T m w m m W F 1/ T 2 L R W 2 3 4.A m 0R2 M 8 46 Y O 4 wL M J n m 2 M Q 0 m n I PATENEDM s #912 SHEEI 5 BF 6//////////IIII//II/ImII/I/IIM/I/IMIW/WIMM I INVENTOR ARTHUR s. MANN was:n7

ATTORNEYS PATENTED JUH 6 I973 SHEET 8 [IF 6 A w/ w 4.. 8 2 l 8 2 1 fly Vgx/fi fl v W L a B B 11/ u 4 w H n. a 2 .L M A l x m M W T 8 m 2 u L 2 gm m 1 .m I e ly Yslf l u /Ti I Q r(/ an. u/lw x 5 0 A 5 9 M v? B I J r 5B INVENTOR vARTHUR S. MANN BY f (/00 ATTORNEYS BACKGROUND OFTI-IEINVENTION .The invention relates generally to the art 'of photographyand specifically to a camera arranged to sequentially exposepredetermined areas of a single film plate by movement only of the filmplate; the primary lens and lens aperture remain. stationary, directedtoward the subject matter to be photographed. Such photographicapparatus has many useful applications, a most significant one beingphotoidentification of a large number of persons. Specifically, recentnew statutes in a number of states now require a photograph of thelicensee to appear on the license issued by the state. This isparticularly true in the field of vehicle operators licenses.Additionally,

many large plants and federal and military reservations and complexesissue identification tags to personnel which must include a photographof the bearer. Therefore, it is the general object of thepresentinvention to provide an extremely simple, and therefore'economicalphotoidentification system and apparatus for implementing that system.

The camera apparatus which is the subject of the instant inventionprovides an apparatus that'will produce a number of individualphotographs on a single sheet of exposed film. This isadvantageous fortwo principal reasons. First, a rather obvious financial saving in thecost of film is provided. Secondly, a standard sized, rather large sheetof film may be subdivided into a numberof smaller, individualphotographs, which may boot a predetermined size to fit precisely in thespace provided on the ultimate identifying tag or license. For example,a standard Polacolor 75 speed, ty e 108 film pack, marketed by thePolaroid Corporation comprises a cartridge containing eightself-developing, negative-positive color film assemblies. The resultantpositive measures 4% inches by 3% inches in overall dimensions, andincludes an effective exposed area of 3% inches by 2% inches; thefinished product has a blank border one-fourth inch wide. Conveniently,this effective exposed area may be subdivided by a factor of 9 to yieldnine individual photographs, each measuring 1% inches bytwentythree/twenty-fourths of an inch. Some minute spacing may be adesirable, thus reducing each picture to! 3/16 inches byfifteen-sixteenths inch; Such a size picture is large enough foridentifying purposes and yet small enough to fit upon an identifying tagor license of the wallet-sized variety.

The invention further provides a secondary exposure system forphotographing identifying indicia at the base of each individualphotograph. For the specific embodiment described above, the strip forthe indicia would be five thirty-seconds inch in height, and have alength corresponding to the width of the individual photograph. I

With the exception of one prior U; S. patent, which will be discussedbelow, the development of the art of multiple exposures on a single filmplate has taken the routes of providing a mask for the film plate, ormultiple lenses for exposing different areas of the film plate. Thepresent invention provides an apparatus for sequentially moving a filmplate past the axis or line of sight ofa stationary camera lens.

' US. Pat. No. 686,001, issued to Gilbert J. Miller, discloses a filmplate structure employing a plurality of masks to successively exposedpredetermined portions of the entire film plate; I

the patent indicates one line of development in the art. The

major problem encountered in this structure is that, since the cameralens remains stationary, the angle of image projection varies frompartial exposed area to partial exposed area, thus contributing a lackof uniform exposure between the multiple partial negatives and resultantpositive prints. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,936,512, issued to John C. Hunter;3,124,050, issued to Harry Bay; and 3,318,218, issued to William G. Yax,are variations on the theme presented in the Miller patent.

The use of multiple lenses is disclosed in US. Pat. No.

, 3,069,987, issued to William F. Harrington. The deficiencies areobvious; the added expense of multiple lenses is required,

and the line of sight varies from lens to lens, thus introducing anirregularity of exposure between multiple finished move the single filmplate to various exposure positions can only operate in a single,predetermined .path. Instantaneous movement to any oneof the variousexposure positions without backtracking through several. other positionsis not possible. The spur gear 64 used in the system has a naturaltendency to lock or bind when passing from one gear rack to another,disposed at a ninety degree angle to the first. A number plate systemfor individual photo identification is shown, but only a single lens andmirror are used to reflect the number on the film negative (FIG. 4).Thus, the original number on card 32 (FIG. 4) must be in mirror image.The instant invention overcomes these deficiencies as well as addsseveral items which greatly enhance the operation of such a device.

. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The heart of the invention is improvements ina camera having a fixed lens and aperture, and means for sequentiallymoving a film plate past thelens sight line, which improvements include:a secondary, simultaneous, exposure system for correctly transmittingindicia to the film plate; independently movable, horizontal andvertical spur gear and rack assemblies for moving the film plate, whichmay include a reference number and letter guide, indicating the variouspositions of the film plate; a pencil light beam system for properalignment of the camera with the subject; micrometer adjustment meansfor the gear and rack assembly; amaster control switch for the camera,activated by presence of an identifying card; and an electrical controlsystem, which prevents double exposure of any single area of the filmplate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear, elevational view of the invention as shown in FIG. I,with parts broken away to show interior detail;

FIG. 3 is a partial, sectional view, taken along lines 33 of FIG. 2, anddrawn to an enlarged scale;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial, diagrammatic sectional views taken alonglines 4-4 and 5-5, respectively of FIG. 2, and drawn to an enlargedscale;

FIG. 6 is a perspective, diagrammatic view, illustrating the line ofsight of the primary lens and sequential movement of the film plate pastthe line of sight;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view, in perspective, of the preferred,sophisticated embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the invention as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, detail view of the master control switch for thepreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10 and l l are partial, sectional views through the vertical andhorizontal guide means respectively, of the preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a partial, perspective view of the horizontal guide means asshown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective, exploded view of the back of the preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a wiring diagram for the preferred embodiment of IDESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingsby reference character, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof,a simple camera 10 is shown, which includes a lens 12, and a backsupport plate 14 through which a lens aperture 16 is formed, concentricwith respect to the line of sight 18 of lens 12. A mechanical shutter isindicated at 20, which may be hand operated, or automatically tripped byany of a variety of shutter trips presently commercially available (notshown).

On the rear of the camera (FIG. 2) is a film pack or chamber 22 whichcontains at least a film plate or negative 24. Preferably, the film packv 22 contains self-developing film comprising negative and positivesheets, drawn together after exposure of the negative for development ofthe positive by simultaneously collapsing a cell of gelatinous developerand spreading the same between the negative and positive sheets (notshown). Per se, the film pack employed forms no part of the instantinvention.

The primary function of the invention is to present the film plate 24ina number of predetermined positions behind stationary lens 12, aperture16, and line of sight'18 of lens 12. As shown in FIG. 6, in a preferredembodiment of the invention, plate 24 will be divided into nine exposureareas 26, and the sequence of exposing plate 24 will be in reverse S"fashion, as shown by the arrows, starting at the upper left hand cornerof plate 24 and terminating at the lower right hand comer thereof.Obviously, camera 10 maybe designed to accommodate any number ofexposures of plate 24. Presently, nine exposures are quite practical.FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate this sequential movement of plate 24,vertically and horizontally, respectively. An aperture box 28, which isfitted within aperture. I6 in a light seal relationship, terminates atits other end closely adjacent plate 24 to prevent stray light from anexposure from filtering out over other areas of plate 24.

The structure for moving film chamber 22 with plate 24 to the variousexposure positions basically comprises a pair of transverse rods 30, 32,and a pair of vertical bearing members 34, 36, each slotted along their.lower, longitudinal side edges to interfit with rails 38, 38, formed inslots 40, 40, which guide members 34, 36 for vertical movement. course,bearing members 34, 36 support rods 30, 32, which carry film chamber 22and plate 24; thus, movement of members 34, 36 causes vertical movementof plate 24. i

A control wheel 42, having a handle 44 on one face and a spur gear 46formed on its opposite face controls vertical movement of plate 24. Spurgear 46 meshes with a gear rack 48 formed on the rear face of back plate14, adjacent spur gear 46 (FIG. 2). Wheel or knob 42 is centrally boredto receive the distal end of rod 32, and is freely rotatable withrespect thereto, and slidable therealong, for reasons to be explainedpresently. With spur gear 46 in mesh with rack 48 (FIG. 2), rotation ofwheel 42 causes bearing members 34, 36 to move vertically.

As shown in FIG. 4, film chamber 22 and film plate 24 may be disposedsuccessively in one of three vertical settings, to correspond to thethree horizontal rows of three exposure areas 26 each, illustrated inFIG. 6. These three vertical positions are defined by stop means.including three vertically spaced detents 50, 50, 50, formed on the rearface of back plate 14 (FIGS. 2 and 3), which cooperate with a springloaded ball 52, mounted within a block 54, attached to a side of bearingmember 34. As the film plate 24 is moved vertically by rotation of wheel42, the ball 52 will snap sharply into place within a detent 50 when oneof the proper vertical settings for film chamber 22 is reached. Forexample, FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the film chamber 22 in an uppermostposition, with ball 52 within uppermost detent 50; thusfilm plate 24 isproperly vertically disposed for exposure of any one of the top threeareas 26 illustrated in FIG. 6. Horizontal movement of film chamber 22and film plate 12 to any one of three'horizontal settings, to correspondto the three vertical rows of three exposure areas 26 each, illustratedin FIG. 6, occurs by moving film chamber 22, laterally along rods 30,32. Control rod 32 includes screw thread 56, threaded through a sidewall 58 of film chamber 22 (FIG. 2).

Thus, rotation of rod 32 causes film chamber 22 to move laterally withrespect to back plate 14. The distal end of rod 32 includes an hexagonalnut or lug 60, formed or .threaded thereon, which is adapted to fit amating hexagonal recess 62, formed centrally within the outer face ofcontrol wheel 42 (FIG. 2). To rotate rod 32, control wheel 42, whichslides freely on rod 32 as explained above, is slid outwardly to matenut 60 and recess 62. Simultaneously, spur gear 46 is disengaged fromgear rack 48 so that vertical movement of film chamber 22 is prevented.Rotation of wheel 42 will now cause rod 32 to rotate, and move filmchamber 22 and film plate 24 horizontally. The position of wheel 42 forhorizontal movement of film plate 24 is indicated by dot and dash linesin FIGS.2and5.

Three horizontal settings for film chamber 22 are defined'by stop meansincluding three circumferential detents 64, 64, 64, which cooperate witha second spring loaded ball 66 mounted within side wall 68 of filmchamber 22. As film chamber 22 moves horizontally, ball 66 will snapinto a detent when a proper horizontal position for film chamber 22 hasbeen reached(FlG. 2). Y v

To operate the invention as illustrated in FIG. 6, wheel 42 is rotatedcounter clockwise, with spur gear 46 in mesh with rack 48 untillowermost detent 50 is engaged with ball 52. Wheel 42 is then pulledoutwardly, to engage nut 60 in recess 62, and rotated counterclockwise(FIG. 2) until ball 66 drops into the far left hand circumferentialdetent 64, in the sense of FIG. 2. This will move film chamber 22 andfilm plate 24 so that the upper left hand exposure area 26 is positioneddirectly behind lens 12. Of course, film plate 24 may be horizontallymoved initially, and then vertically, as the controls for eachmovement'are independently actuable. After the first exposure is taken,wheel 42 with nut 60 engaged in recess 62 may be rotated clockwise untilball 66 drops into the middle detent 64, thus presenting the uppermiddle exposure area 26 of F IG. 6 in proper position. Furtherclockwise. rotation of wheel 42 will bring ball 66 to the right handdetent 64 (FIG. 2) so that the'uppermost right hand area 26 of FIG. willbe ready for exposure. Y

The middle row of exposure areas 26 is reached by pushing in on wheel42, thereby disengaging nut 60 and recess 62 and enmeshing spur gear 46and rack 48, and rotating wheel 42 clockwise until ball 52 drops intomiddle detent 50. With recess 62 of wheel 42 reenga'ged with nut 60,wheel 42 may be rotated counterclockwise (FIG. 2) to align,successively, the remaining two middle exposure areas 26 behind lens 12.The bottom row is reached by dropping film plate 24 so that ball 52engages uppermost detent 50.

Obviously, the sequence of exposure for each area 26 is relativelyunimportant. Any sequence desired may be followed in that the means forvertically and horizontally moving the film plate 24 are independentlyactuable. For example, one may wish to follow an "S" pattern of exposurerather than the reverse S" pattern illustrated in FIG. 6, or use thevertical rows sequentially, rather than the horizontal rows.Furthermore, practice has shown that once an entire film plate 24 isexposed, it is easier to remove the same from the camera by placing thefilm chamber 22 in an uppermost, middle position. The vertical andhorizontal film chamber moving means, being independently actuable, maybe operated in any shorthand method to reach this desired position.

I Turning now to FIGS. 7 through 17, a more sophisticated embodiment ofthe invention will be discussed. However, this second embodiment stillretains the essential operative features of the first embodiment justdiscussed. Again, camera includes lens 12, back plate 14, aperture 16formed in plate 14 (FIGS. 13 and 15), a shutter (not shown), filmchamber or pack 22, film plate or negative 24 (FIG. 15) and an aperturebox 70, somewhat similar to aperture box 28 (FIGS. 13 and 15).

A tripod stand, partially illustrated in the drawings at 72, provides astationary support for camera 10. As in the first embodiment, camera 10,lens 12, and back plate 14 are all stationary during the exposureprocess; only film pack 22 with plate 24 are moved about, sequentially,behind the lens. This embodiment is preferably arranged to divide filmplate 24 into nine exposureareas as in the first embodiment. Therefore,FIG. 6 is applicable to both embodiments and need not be discussedfurther. I

As in the first embodiment, the means for moving the film pack 22vertically are independently operable of the means for moving the filmpack horizontally, but here there is absolutely no mechanicalinterconnection between the two means. Film pack 22 is supported by rods74 and 76, each of which is journaled through bearing members 78 and 80,and secured thereto by suitable means, such as hex nuts 82, 82, 82, 82.A

pair of grooves 84, 84 (FIG. 13) are formed in the rear face of backplate 14 to guide bearing members 78, 80, vertically and each includes aV-shaped shoe 86, mating in cross-section with grooves 84, (FIGS. 10, 13and 18). Bearing members 78 and 80 are retained in place by a pair ofretaining bridges 88, 90, each of which includes a stationary retainingrail 92 which rides within a channel 94, formed within the upper,longitudinal face of bearing member 78, 80, opposite shoe 86 (FIG. 10).Bearing members 78, 80 are moved vertically by means including a handcontrolled knob 96, joumalled through hear ing member 80, andterminating in a spur gear 98, which meshes with a gear rack 100, formedadjacent one groove 84 (FIGS. 10 and 18). Thus in the sense of FIG. 13,clockwise rotation of knob 96 moves film pack 22 upwardly whilecounterclockwise rotation of knob 96 moves film pack 22 downwardly. Itwill be noted that, unlike the first embodiment, gear rack 100 and spurgear 98 are always in mesh.

The three vertical settings for-the three horizontal rows of exposureareas 26 shown in FIG. 6 are defined by stop means including a pair ofspring loaded balls 104, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 10, mountedin rail 92, and a set of five equispaced detents 106, formed in bearingmember 80, one of which is shown in FIG. 18. Theuse of a pair of balls104 assures a more secure locking of film pack 22 in each of thevertical settings. Since each vertical setting is equispaced, only fivedetents are needed. The central detent is occupied by the lower springloaded ball 104 when film pack 22 is in an uppermost attitude, and thesame detent is occupied by the upper spring loaded ball 104 when filmpack 22 is in a lowermost attitude. Visual reference for a quick checkas to which horizontal row is being exposed is provided by a letteredplate 108, secured over rail 92 by a pair of inversely shaped arbors110, mounted in bearing member 80 (FIG. 10). An aperture 112 is formedin the top face of bridge 90 (FIG. 8) for visual access to plate 108 andthe indicia thereon. Referring to FIGS. .6 and 13 by way of example, thebottom row of exposure areas 26 may be row A, the next row B, and thetop row referred to as C. Since aperture 112 is stationary, the letter Aon plate 108 will appear when film pack 22 is in the position shown inFIGS. 8, 13 and 15. When knob 96 is rotated counterclockwise, the letterB for the middle row will next appear in aperture 112, and finallyletter C, for the top row of exposure areas.

Referring now'to FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 18, means independent of thevertical film pack 22 moving means are illustrated which provide forlateral or horizontal movement of film pack 22. A second knob 114 (FIG.8) is attached to a shaft 116, journalled through film pack 22 andterminating in a spur gear 118 which meshes with a gear rack 120 formedon the lower face of rod 76. In the sense of FIG. 13, rotation of knob114,

and thus shaft 1 16, in a clockwise fashion causes movement of film pack22 in a left hand direction, and rotation of shaft 116 counterclockwisecauses a right movement of film pack 22. FIG. 18 indicates stop means,comprising a pair of spring loaded balls 122 cooperating with two offive detents 124 formed in the upper surface of rod 76. Balls 122 anddetents 124 cooperate in the same fashion as balls 104 and detents 106,in defining three horizontal settings for film pack 22. The

three vertical rows of exposure areas 26 (FIG. 6) may be numbered l, 2and 3, and an indicia plate 126, similar to plate 108, is mounted on rod76 (FIG. 11) for visual reference, with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 appearingthereon (FIG. 13). As film pack 22 is moved left or right, a numberidentifying the vertical row will appear in window 128 of lower cover130 of film pack 22, since plate 126 is stationary, being affixed to rod76, and window 128 moves with film pack 22. Thus,in this'embodiment ofthe invention, the exposure sequence is designed as the reverse of thearrows appearing on film plate 12 in FIG. 6. That is, A row, areas I, 2and 3 will be exposed first, then the 13" row, areas 3, 2 and l, andfinally the C" row, areas I, 2 and 3. Asin the case of the firstembodiment, any sequence imaginable may be employed in exposing areas 26because the means for vertically and horizontally moving film pack 22are independently operable.

Referring to FIG. 18, film pack 22 is supported by a pair of side walls132, 132, throughwhich rods 74 and 76 are journalled in a light sealrelan'onship, and base members 134, 134 disposed between walls 132, 132,interiorally of rods 74, 76. A felt or fabric liner 136 is applied tothose portions of walls 132, 132 and bases 134, 134 that are adjacentthe rear face of back plate 14 (FIG. 13) to prevent the entry of ambientlight into film pack 22 as it moves from exposure position to exposureposition. As in the first embodiment of the invention, the rearwardlyextending side walls of aperture box 70 also extend to a position justshort of face to face contact with film plate 12 (FIG. 15) to preventambient light from one exposure from interfering with any adjacentexposure area on film plate 12. As shown in FIG. 18, spring loaded balls122 are mounted in the bottom of lower base 134. If desired, a pluralityof allenhead adjusting screws 135 may be mounted in bearing members 78,and bridges 88, 90, as shown in FIG. 18, for micrometer adjustment ofthe limits of horizontal and 'vertical movement, respectively, of filmpack 22 so that a minimum of waste space appears between adjacentexposure areas 26 of film plate 24.

The shutter mechanism employed with lens 12 is a standard mechanicalshutter (not shown) and, by itself, forms no part of the instantinvention. However, a unique actuation system for the shutter isprovided, the electrical diagram thereof being shown in FIG. 14, and thephysical parts thereof being illustrated best by FIGS. 7 and 17. Astandard 4-way plug 138 includes two lines 140, 142 for a power source,such as standard household current of volts, 60 cycles, A.C., and twolines 144, 146, leading to a push button control 148. A fuse may beprovided in line 140. Line 140 leads to a leaf spring micro switch 152,also illustrated in FIG. 9. The purpose of switch 152 is to serve as amaster control; unless depressed, the camera will not function. Switch152 is activated by insertion of an item or card 154 into a well 156formed within the upper forward area of camera 10. In the desiredembodiment of the invention, card 154 (FIG. 16) comprises a standardcomputer punchcard, with a comer clipped as at 158. For reasons to bediscussed below, it is desirable that the card be inserted with comer158 to the left, as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, switch 152 is arranged sothat it can be activated only when the card is so inserted. If the cardis inserted in reverse, with comer 158 to the right, as indicated by dotand dash lines (FIG. 9), the spring leaf of switch 152 will not bedepressed to close the contacts of switch 152.

The closing of switch 152 energizes a transformer 160 through line 162,the circuit being completed through line 164 to the other power line142. In turn, transformer 160 energizes a light 166, which, throughcondensing lens 168, mirror (FIG. 17) and lens 172 (FIG. 7) creates apencil beam of light which is directed to the subject to be photographedin order to properly align camera lens 12. Of course, transformer 160 isnot a necessity. A conveniently small, 1 volt A.C. bulb may be used inplace of transformer 160 and light 166.

l The closing of switch 152 completes a circuit, broken only bypushbutton contact 148, which includes lines 144 and 146, swingingcontact 176 of relay 178, normally against contact 180 which is wired toline 182, solenoid coil 184, and return line 164 to line 142. A normallyopen manual override switch 186 is inserted between lines 140 and 144 ifthe effect of card switch 152 is to be negated. Core 188 of solenoid 184is mechanically connected to the shutter of camera 10 (not shown) andtrips the same through completion of the circuit just described, by theclosing of button 148. At the same time, an external illuminating means,such as a strobe light 190, is energized by the closing of triggerswitch 192, which is also tripped by movement of core 188. Light 190 isindependently wired for power by line 194 (FIG. 7). Line 196 for strobelight 190 is wired to trigger switch 192 (FIG. 7). Yet another triggerswitch 198 completes a circuit for energizing relay 178, and is alsoclosed upon movement of core 188. The circuit for energizing relay 178includes line 140, card switch 152 and line 162, or override switch 186and line 144 to line 162 if the card switch 152 is not used, relaycircuit line 200, relay trigger switch 198, relay line 202, which leadsto one terminal of relay 178, and return line 204, from the otherterminal of relay 178 to power line 142. Energization of relay 178swings contact 176 away from contact 180, thus breaking the circuit forsolenoid 184 and allowing the shutter (not shown) to close, and bringscontact 176 against a contact 206, wired to line 202. This reestablishesa holding circuit for relay 178, since the initial energization circuittherefor was broken by the opening of trigger switch 198, upon upwardmovement of core 188, caused by deenergization of solenoid core 184.This secondary holding circuit for relay 178 includes line 140 to line144, through card switch 152 or override switch 186, depending on whichis used, pushbutton 148, line 146, contacts 176 and 206, to line 208,line 202 and one terminal of relay 178, and

return line 204 from the other terminal of relay 178 to power line 142.It is apparent that as long as pushbutton 148 remains depressed,accidental secondary, tripping of the shutter (not shown) from movementof core 188 cannot occur, since the circuit for solenoid 184 remainsbroken by the break between contacts 176 and 180, caused by energizationof solenoid 178. Once p ushbutton 148 is released, the energizingcircuit for relay 178 is broken, contact 176 swings against contact 180,

. and the system is ready again for another exposure.

As mentioned above, this preferred embodiment of the invention includesa secondary exposure system for each exposure area 26 which transfersidentifying indicia to area 26. FIGS. 16 and 17 best illustrate thisfeature of the invention. An identifying number of letter and numbercombination is printed on the base of card 154 (FIGS. 9 and 16) which isphotographed on exposure area 26 at the same time camera lens 12 isopened to take a picture. The image passes from card 154 through anaperture 210 in card well 156 to a periscope 212, which includes mirrors214 and 216, and central lens 218, and from periscope 212 to area 220 ofexposure area 26 through secondary aperture box 222 of box 70 (FIGS. 13and 15). It will be noted that, with the provision of two mirrors 214and 216, and periscope lens 218, the positive image appearing on card154 will be inverted and reversed to a mirror image on film plate 24, aswill the subject being photographed through camera lens 12. Thus bothimages are properly aligned on film plate 24 for production of the usualpositive print therefrom.

The reason for card switch 152, and its location with respect tocorner158 of card 154 is now clear (FIG. 9). Switch 152 may be depressed onlywhen the identifying number on card 154 is properly located to bephotographed on area 220. Ifthe card number is not properly aligned,comer 158 will be over switch 152, switch 152 will not be depressed, anda picture cannot be taken.

' A secondary strobe light or light source 224 provides illumination forthe identifying number area of card 154. As in the case of externalstrobe light 190, strobe 224 includes an independent power source 226(FIG. 17) and a trigger switch 228, tripped by downward movement of core188, as in the case of trigger switch 192 for external strobe 190.

A manual shutter lock 230 may also be provided for locking 1 themechanical shutter (not shown) in an open position when it is necessaryto check the focus of camera lens 12 on the subject. As illustrated inFIG. 14, a capacitor 232 may be wired from swinging contact 176 to line182 to prevent arcing in the contact points of relay 178.

The simplicity of the invention enhances its character of being acomplete, portable, and self contained photo identification system. Allthat is needed is a power source, a chair for the subject and a curtainbackdrop for the chair to complete the system (not shown). FIG. 16indicates a punchcard that may be configured to easily produce a driverslicense with a photograph of the licensee appearing thereon. FIG. 16illustrates the completed card, subsequent to the placement of theidentifying photograph 234, a positive print taken from film plateexposure area 26. An individual card 154 is used for each licensee. Whencard 154 is inserted into well 156, a photograph of the subject istaken. When nine such exposures have been taken, film pack 22 may bemoved to an uppermost middle position with respect to back plate 14(FIG. 13) so that film plate 24 together with a positive (not shown) maybe withdrawn from film pack 22, when a self-developing film pack 22 isemployed. Recess 236 (FIG. 13) cut into the top edge of back plate 14cooperates with a fingerindent 238 (FIG. 18) in film pack 22 for easywithdrawal of a negative 24 and positive sheet by the thumb andforefinger (not shown).

Since each of the nine exposure areas 26 includes an identifying numbermatching with the card 154. used to activate the camera, collating eachidentifying photograph 234 with its card 154 becomes a simple task. Oncephotograph 234 is mounted on card 154, the license area 240 may bereproduced and sent to the licensee, and the entire card 154 may beretained by the licensing authority as a master index card. Of course,the portion 242 (FIG. 16) of card 154 may be keypunched for such data astrafiic violations, license suspensions, financial responsibility, bythe licensing authority and stored in an information retrieval systemprogrammed to ascertain such information from individual cards asdesired.

lelaim:

1. In a camera including a lens for projecting an image upon a filmplate, a back support plate located rearwardlyof the lens and havingmeans defining an aperture therein, generally concentric with theprincipal axis of the lens, the lens being fixed stationary with respectto the back support plate, and a film plate for receiving imagesprojected by the lens, movable on the back support plate in a planegenerally parallel to the back support plate, a sequential exposureapparatus for presenting predetermined areas of the film plate forexposure including means for sequentially moving the film plate past theaperture and lens, comprising:

a. first means for moving the film plate horizontally with respect tothe aperture and lens; and

b. second means, independently operable with respect to the first means,for moving the film plate vertically with respect to the aperture andlens; and

wherein the means for sequentially moving the film plate past theaperture and lens further comprise:

c. means defining a film plate chamber, for mounting the film plate,secured in a light tight relationship with respect to the back supportplate;

cl. a pair of parallel support rods, each passing through the filmchamber, generally parallel with the plane of the back support plate; v

e. a pair of bearing members receiving the distal ends of the supportrods; and i f. track means guiding said bearing members for movementalong said back support plate; and

wherein each of said rods is of a length greater than that dimension ofthe film chamber through which each rod isjourneled, said film chamberbeing movable along said rods; and wherein said film chamber is movablealong said rods to a plurality of fixed positions defined by a pluralityof first stop means in said film chamber cooperating with a plurality ofsecond stop means in one of said rods.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said first means formoving the film plate horizontally with respect to the aperture and lenscomprise:

a. a screw thread, formed on one of said support rods, and threadedthrough at least one side wall of said film chamber, said one rod beingrotatably joumalled through said film chamber and bearing members, andhaving one end extending through one'of said bearing members;

b. a lug, formed on the free distal end of said extended one end of saidone rod;

c. a control wheel, freely rotatably mountedon said extended one end ofsaid one rod and slidable therealong, between the one bearing member andthe lug; and

d. means defining a recess in said control wheel, mating said lug,whereby said control wheel and lug may be engaged by sliding the controlwheel and its recess to mate with said lug;

whereupon rotation of said control wheel causes rotation of said screwthread, thereby moving said film chamber laterally along said rods.

3. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said first stop meanscomprise a plurality of spring loaded balls and said second stop meanscomprise a plurality of means defining detents in the surface of saidone rod, cooperating with said balls.

4. The invention as recited in claim 3 wherein said first andsecond'stop means further comprise:

a. an indicia bearing plate, formed on one of said rods; and

b. means defining a window in said film chamber, adjacent said indiciabearing plate, for visually ascertaining the position of the filmchamber as it moves along said support rods.

5. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said second means formoving the film plate vertically with respect to the aperture and lenscomprise:

a. a gear rack, formed on said back support plate, and aligned generallyparallel with said bearing member track means; and i b. a spur gear,mounted on one of said support rods, and

aligned with said back support plate gear rack;

whereupon rotation of said spur gear, said bearing members will movealong said track means, carrying said support rods and film chambertherewith, wherein said spur gear is freely, rotatably mounted on saidone support rod, and slidable therealong to a position out of engagementwith said back support plate gear rack.

6. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said bearing members aremovable along the back support plate to a plurality of fixed, verticalpositions, defined by a plurality of vertical stop means wherein saidvertical stop means comprise:

a. a block, mounted on a side of one of said bearing members,

b. spring loaded ball means, directed toward said back plate from saidblock; and

c. means defining a plurality of detents on the back plate,

beneath the path of travel of said block, cooperating with said ballmeans to define said plurality of fixed, vertical positions.

7. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said vertical stop meanscomprise:

a. a plurality of spring loaded balls, mounted in at least one of saidtrack means; and

b. a plurality of means defining detents in one of said bearing members,cooperating with said spring loaded balls to define said plurality offixed, vertical positions.

8. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said vertical stop meansfurther comprise:

a. an indicia bearing plate, formed on one of said bearing members; andb. means defining a window in said track means, adjacent said indiciabearing plate, for visually ascertaining the 5 position of the filmchamber as it moves along said track means. 9. In a camera including alens for projecting an image upon a film plate, a back support platelocated rearwardly of the lens and having means defining an aperturetherein, generally concentric with the principal axis of the lens, thelens being fixed stationary with respect to the back support plate, anda film plate for receiving images projected by the lens, movable on theback support plate in a plane generally parallel to the back supportplate, a sequential exposure apparatus for presenting predeterminedareas of the film plate for exposure including means for sequentiallymoving the film plate past the aperture and lens, comprising:

a. first means for moving the film plate horizontally with respect tothe aperture and lens; and b. second means, independently operable withrespect to the first means, for moving the film plate vertically withrespect to the aperture and lens; and wherein the means for sequentiallymoving the film plate past the aperture and lens further comprise:

c. means defining a film plate chamber, for mounting the film plate,secured in a light tight relationship with respect 'to the back supportplate;

d. a pair of parallel support rods, each passing through the filmchamber, generally parallel with the plane of the back support plate;

e. a pair of bearing members receiving the distal ends of the.

support rods; and f. track means guiding said bearing members formovement along said back support plate; and

wherein said camera is equipped with a shutter for opening the lens, andfurther comprises a secondary, simultaneous exposure system whichincludes:

a. a narrow well for receiving an item to be photographed;

b. a light source for said well, actuated by tripping said camerashutter;

c. a periscope, including a central lens, for transmitting an image ofan item in the well to said aperture; and

d. means defining a secondary aperture, adjacent said camera aperture,for transmitting the periscope image to the film plate.

10. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein said camera furthercomprises:

a. a light source;

b. a lens for condensing light from the light source into a pencil beam;and

c. mirror and additional lens means for transmitting the pencil beam toa subject to be photographed;

whereupon direction of the pencil light beam on a subject to bephotographed causes said camera lens to be properly aligned forphotographing the subject.

1 l. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein said camera furtherincludes:

a. means for illuminating the subject to be photographed;

and

b. means for simultaneously actuating said well light source,

subject illuminating means, and camera shutter, comprismg:

2. a source of electrical current;

2. a solenoid, having a core;

3. trip means, secured to the core, for mechanically actuating said welllight source, subject illuminating means, and camera shutter uponmovement of the core;

4. electrical circuit means for energizing said solenoid,

connected to the source of electrical current; and

5. normally open, circuit closing means for completing said electricalcircuit to energize said solenoid. 12. The invention as recited in claim11 wherein said narrow item well includes a master switch interposed insaid elec-

1. In a camera including a lens for projecting an image upon a filmplate, a back support plate located rearwardly of the lens and havingmeans defining an aperture therein, generally concentric with theprincipal axis of the lens, the lens being fixed stationary with respectto the back support plate, and a film plate for receiving imagesprojected by the lens, movable on the back support plate in a planegenerally parallel to the back support plate, a sequential exposureapparatus for presenting predetermined areas of the film plate forexposure including means for sequentially moving the film plate past theaperture and lens, comprising: a. first means for moving the film platehorizontally with respect to the aperture and lens; and b. second means,independently operable with respect to the first means, for moving thefilm plate vertically with respect to the aperture and lens; and whereinthe means for sequentially moving the film plate past the aperture andlens further comprise: c. means defining a film plate chamber, formounting the film plate, secured in a light tight relationship withrespect to the back support plate; d. a pair of parallel support rods,each passing through the film chamber, generally parallel with the planeof the back support plate; e. a pair of bearing members receiving thedistal ends of the support rods; and f. track means guiding said bearingmembers for movement along said back support plate; and wherein each ofsaid rods is of a length greater than that dimension of the film chamberthrough which each rod is journeled, said film chamber being movablealong said rods; and wherein said film chamber is movable alonG saidrods to a plurality of fixed positions defined by a plurality of firststop means in said film chamber cooperating with a plurality of secondstop means in one of said rods.
 2. The invention as recited in claim 1wherein said first means for moving the film plate horizontally withrespect to the aperture and lens comprise: a. a screw thread, formed onone of said support rods, and threaded through at least one side wall ofsaid film chamber, said one rod being rotatably journalled through saidfilm chamber and bearing members, and having one end extending throughone of said bearing members; b. a lug, formed on the free distal end ofsaid extended one end of said one rod; c. a control wheel, freelyrotatably mounted on said extended one end of said one rod and slidabletherealong, between the one bearing member and the lug; and d. meansdefining a recess in said control wheel, mating said lug, whereby saidcontrol wheel and lug may be engaged by sliding the control wheel andits recess to mate with said lug; whereupon rotation of said controlwheel causes rotation of said screw thread, thereby moving said filmchamber laterally along said rods.
 2. a source of electrical current; 2.a solenoid, having a core;
 3. trip means, secured to the core, formechanically actuating said well light source, subject illuminatingmeans, and camera shutter upon movement of the core;
 3. The invention asrecited in claim 1 wherein said first stop means comprise a plurality ofspring loaded balls and said second stop means comprise a plurality ofmeans defining detents in the surface of said one rod, cooperating withsaid balls.
 4. The invention as recited in claim 3 wherein said firstand second stop means further comprise: a. an indicia bearing plate,formed on one of said rods; and b. means defining a window in said filmchamber, adjacent said indicia bearing plate, for visually ascertainingthe position of the film chamber as it moves along said support rods. 4.electrical circuit means for energizing said solenoid, connected to thesource of electrical current; and
 5. normally open, circuit closingmeans for completing said electrical circuit to energize said solenoid.5. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said second means formoving the film plate vertically with respect to the aperture and lenscomprise: a. a gear rack, formed on said back support plate, and alignedgenerally parallel with said bearing member track means; and b. a spurgear, mounted on one of said support rods, and aligned with said backsupport plate gear rack; whereupon rotation of said spur gear, saidbearing members will move along said track means, carrying said supportrods and film chamber therewith, wherein said spur gear is freely,rotatably mounted on said one support rod, and slidable therealong to aposition out of engagement with said back support plate gear rack. 6.The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said bearing members aremovable along the back support plate to a plurality of fixed, verticalpositions, defined by a plurality of vertical stop means wherein saidvertical stop means comprise: a. a block, mounted on a side of one ofsaid bearing members, b. spring loaded ball means, directed toward saidback plate from said block; and c. means defining a plurality of detentson the back plate, beneath the path of travel of said block, cooperatingwith said ball means to define said plurality of fixed, verticalpositions.
 7. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said verticalstop means comprise: a. a plurality of spring loaded balls, mounted inat least one of said track means; and b. a plurality of means definingdetents in one of said bearing members, cooperating with said springloaded balls to define said plurality of fixed, vertical positions. 8.The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said vertical stop meansfurther comprise: a. an indicia bearing plate, formed on one of saidbearing members; and b. means defining a window in said track means,adjacent said indicia bearing plate, for visually ascertaining theposition of the film chamber as it moves along said track means.
 9. In acamera including a lens for projecting an image upon a film plate, aback support plate located rearwardly of the lens and having meansdefining an aperture therein, generally concentric with The principalaxis of the lens, the lens being fixed stationary with respect to theback support plate, and a film plate for receiving images projected bythe lens, movable on the back support plate in a plane generallyparallel to the back support plate, a sequential exposure apparatus forpresenting predetermined areas of the film plate for exposure includingmeans for sequentially moving the film plate past the aperture and lens,comprising: a. first means for moving the film plate horizontally withrespect to the aperture and lens; and b. second means, independentlyoperable with respect to the first means, for moving the film platevertically with respect to the aperture and lens; and wherein the meansfor sequentially moving the film plate past the aperture and lensfurther comprise: c. means defining a film plate chamber, for mountingthe film plate, secured in a light tight relationship with respect tothe back support plate; d. a pair of parallel support rods, each passingthrough the film chamber, generally parallel with the plane of the backsupport plate; e. a pair of bearing members receiving the distal ends ofthe support rods; and f. track means guiding said bearing members formovement along said back support plate; and wherein said camera isequipped with a shutter for opening the lens, and further comprises asecondary, simultaneous exposure system which includes: a. a narrow wellfor receiving an item to be photographed; b. a light source for saidwell, actuated by tripping said camera shutter; c. a periscope,including a central lens, for transmitting an image of an item in thewell to said aperture; and d. means defining a secondary aperture,adjacent said camera aperture, for transmitting the periscope image tothe film plate.
 10. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein saidcamera further comprises: a. a light source; b. a lens for condensinglight from the light source into a pencil beam; and c. mirror andadditional lens means for transmitting the pencil beam to a subject tobe photographed; whereupon direction of the pencil light beam on asubject to be photographed causes said camera lens to be properlyaligned for photographing the subject.
 11. The invention as recited inclaim 9 wherein said camera further includes: a. means for illuminatingthe subject to be photographed; and b. means for simultaneouslyactuating said well light source, subject illuminating means, and camerashutter, comprising:
 12. The invention as recited in claim 11 whereinsaid narrow item well includes a master switch interposed in saidelectrical circuit means closed by the presence of an item in the well.13. The invention as recited in claim 11 wherein said electrical circuitmeans further comprises electrical relay means for interrupting saidelectrical circuit means, actuated by said circuit closing means, andincluding secondary electrical circuit means for continuing energizationof said relay means while said circuit closing means are closed.